Bay Lake Retreat Center

11/17/2025

We're pining for your support!

Give to the Max Day is this Thursday and early giving has already started. 100% of funds raised will directly cover the cost of services for clients.

Check it out ---> https://www.givemn.org/organization/Northern-Pines-Mental-Health-Center

11/14/2025

11/10/2025

11/03/2025

Looking for a place to give back? Consider giving to Northern Pines Mental Health Center. All funds raised will go directly to clients- helping them with the cost of services.

GIVEMN.ORG EARLY GIVING BEGINS NOV. 1.
Early giving starts tomorrow. This is a direct help to those in YOUR community who receive the benefit of your charitable donation.
We see an increased need for support and we are keeping up with that demand.
Thank you for standing up for those needing mindful care.

Go here to donate:
https://www.givemn.org/organization/Northern-Pines-Mental-Health-Center

08/11/2025

Fun knowledge about Minnesota’s largest spiders! Yes, they freak everyone out, but they do great things in the ecosystem!

There are 3 varieties of fishing spiders (Dolomedes) in Minnesota. The Dark Fishing Spider, Six Spotted Fishing Spider & the Striped Fishing Spider. They are NOT web builders but rather weavers.

They may be big & a bit twitchy but generally are harmless and avoid people. They always surprise me so I wanted to learn & share some of what I discovered!

08/08/2025

Here is a little good news for your Friday! Special thanks to Essentia Health & St. Joseph’s Take Heart Program for working with us! ❤️❤️❤️

BAY LAKE RETREAT CENTER AWARDED NEW AED
The Bay Lake Retreat Center was recently recognized & awarded a new AED as part of the Essentia Health – St. Joseph’s Foundation Take Heart Program. The program provides support for CPR training & AED’s for non-profit organizations. The response time for cardiac emergencies is critical & dramatically improves survivability. “We are very grateful & fortunate to have been selected to be part of this program. The Bay Lake Retreat Center, being on an island, poses a bit of a challenge if a cardiac emergency occurs. The new AED will be placed in the lodge, while the existing AED is in the dining hall.” Says Ivan Bartha, Bay Lake Retreat Center Director.

We will be registering both AED’s with PulsePoint, which is a 911-connected mobile app connected with local EMS. The PulsePoint app allows CPR trained bystanders to see where the closest AED is located when a cardiac emergency occurs. “Having AED’s is great, but it is equally important for our first responders, community members, neighbors and staff to know where they are located to reduce response time.” Bartha said.

Bay Lake Retreat Center is affiliated with Northern Pines Mental Health Center and is engaged in prevention and support for mental health issues.

Photo: Ivan Bartha, Director of the Bay Lake Retreat Center. Colette Fitterer, Take Heart Program Coordinator & Emergency Department RN at St. Joseph’s Hospital

08/07/2025

While Chuck (the woodchuck) and I have spent the better part of the summer chasing & avoiding one another, he slipped up on Wednesday. To all our friends, I want to reassure you that Chuck is now living his best life out by Larson Lake! 😊

07/31/2025

Here is a minute of joy out on the island! The woodchuck has been eluding us, but Mom showed up with her kiddos!

07/03/2025

Good afternoon from the Bay Lake Retreat Center! We hope you have fun this holiday weekend & that everyone stays safe!

We would kindly ask that your exploration of the island not include the camp grounds and buildings!

We know people are interested & want to explore but we simply can’t have people wandering around the buildings in a posted area!

This is a special place and all we ask is that those who access the trails please respect the camp areas of the property.

We thank you for your support and wish everyone a wonderful weekend!

Thanks from Putter, Nelly & Ivan!

06/28/2025

New Director Introduction! I’m Ivan, the new Director of the Bay Lake Retreat Center! I have worked in outdoor education, higher ed and internationally for a long time. I’m thrilled to be working with Northern Pines Mental Health & creating space for our participants to enjoy this special place. Putter & Nelly are my senior rescue dogs that keep me on task and enjoy their volunteer roles! If you have any questions or are interested in what we do, please reach out! Enjoy & thanks for the opportunity to lead such an amazing facility!

06/28/2025

It’s been a minute but here is a snapshot of what has been going on out at the Island!